Sports Redux: Dice-K! Dice-K!

THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is the Japanese pitcher Red Sox fans have been waiting since 2007 to see in the postseason. While we know that Josh Beckett ought to deliver (we hope, we pray, we beg) and are worshiping the ground on which Jon Lester walks these days, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been the big question mark of our Starting Three. The approach of the fifth inning with Dice-K on the mound can easily make even the most confident Dice-K fan at least slightly squeamish.

And then Matsuzaka arrived. Seven-plus innings, nine strikeouts, four hits, only four walks, one masterful performance during Boston's 2-0 victory over the Rays.

With our pitcher looking confident, we could turn our attention to the rampant use of the N word on Friday night. No-hitter. Dice-K's throwing a no-no. It was everywhere - on ESPN.com, spewing forth from the mouths of people who should know better. You don't jinx the no-no, no matter how many times you mentioned the word during those most recent magical games (we're talking to you, guy who pointed out that he said the words during Clay and Jon's big games).

On the offensive side, Jed Lowrie again came up with a big-game RBI, joined in the hero's circle by Kevin Youkilis; the latter's left field double scored Dustin Pedroia in the seventh and gave us the insurance run that the Sox would need to get the job done and earn a 1-0 series lead.

Beckett takes the mound tonight for this game - and we hope you're practicing your Papi Pound as you watch on television.

In related news? We ought to say that the Dodgers lost to the Phillies on Friday night, but instead we're just going to say that Manny's down 2-0 in the NLCS. We will pause for a moment, however, to send our condolences to Phillies skipper Charles Manuel, who lost his mother, June Manuel, early Friday morning.

The other defending champions from Boston continued their winning ways on Friday night. The Celts topped the Cavs during preseason play, 96-94, in Providence. Tony Allen chipped in 25 points for the Celts victory.